MILK--It does a Karsie Good!

So this is a risky thing--putting our recent success out into the universe. Hopefully everyone knocks on wood before reading.

For months and months, we have known that if Karsie drank milk the way she drinks water that she would grow like a weed. The problem was, she didn't like milk. RATS!

A few days ago, however, we decided to water down some milk and call it water, which it was...mostly. And she drank it! Since then, we have been slowly increasing the milk to water ratio, and she has taken to it (that is, once she realized that was her option for hydration). At the moment, we are at full volume milk with a few ice cubes in her cup. She likes her ice cubes. Go figure.

The good news about this is that once she gets used to drinking milk like this, we can add supplemental formula to it to give her more calories. We might be seeing the light at the end of the growing tunnel. One day we may have to explain to her why water is actually not white, but for now, she's drinking...and growing!

Karsie's First Steps

Karsie took her first steps today. We saw it coming, so we whipped out the camera and got it!!!! She still would rather crawl, but it's coming where she will be all over soon.

Snag It: Groupons

Okay, so I am new to Groupons, but I have heard amazing things about them. I have recently purchased my first Groupon, and I am in love with the deal I got.

Today on Groupon, there is a great deal (times 5)... It's a Shutterfly 8x8 photo book (regular $29.99) for $10. This deal can be found in Birmingham, Indianapolis, Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Souix Falls. These don't expire until February 2011, so you can use them at your convenience... or make holiday books as gifts. You can also give the Groupons as a gift... so if you wanted you could purchase a couple for yourself and a couple for friends as gifts!

I have made over 10 Shutterfly Photo Books, and I LOVE them. I am excited to have this discount on the photo books.

Even if you don't live in the city, you can purchase the Groupon to use online!

Snag It: Free Photo Book

HOORAY! This is a FABULOUS free photo book deal.

This month, Picaboo is offering a FREE photo book ($39.99 value) for all new customers. Just use the code FREEBK through August 31, 2010.

We are talking a 20-page, hardcover, FREE book from Picaboo. I have heard that Picaboo books are substantially higher quality than other photo books, so I am REALLY excited about this deal.

So go sign up for Picaboo today! It is one free book per account. (Shipping is $8.99)

*Thanks to Jessica at The Mom Creative*

Make It: Diaper Grab and Go

There are a few things I wouldn't leave home without... and these days, diapers and wipes is one of those things. I don't always want to take my diaper bag with me though, so these little grab and go cases are perfect! I have a few of them... one for the car, one for the diaper bag (so I am not searching for a wrinkled diaper at the bottom of the bag) and one for church. There is enough room in these for a couple diapers, a little wipes case and even a little thing of diaper cream or a disposable changing pad.

Ingredients:

2 9x17 rectangles (1 inner and 1 outer fabric)

1 9x14 rectangle (either fabric)

1 9x17 rectangle of batting

1 9x7 rectangle of batting

2 inches of velcro

6 inches of ribbon or a scrap of fabric folded into a strap

assorted sewing notions

First, fold your 9x14 fabric in half over the 9x7 batting. This batting will stabilize the front of the pocket.

Stitch across the fold of the fabric, holding the batting in place and adding more stability. I like the look of two rows of stitching.

Attach your hook-side velcro to the center of this piece.

Next, place your inner 9x17 fabric on top of the 9x17 batting.

At the top of this piece, attach your loop-side velcro. Leave about 2.5 inches from the top of the fabric to allow for sewing and turning right-side out. Stitch this velcro lengthwise so you have lots of give when you close your pouch.

Next, layer everything together. It should go: batting, inner fabric, pocket (all face up), outer fabric (face down). Also, pin your ribbon with the fold facing in. This will become a little loop for carrying or hanging on a hook.

Top of the layer sandwich. Pin everything together.

Leave a 3-4 inch opening at the top of the sandwich and stitch all the way around.

Trim your corners.

Flip right-side out.

Catching your opening, top-stitch all the way around the whole case.

Insert diapers and wipes...

... and toss into your car, purse, diaper bag, wherever!

Make a few for yourself and a few to give to all your mommy friends!

Enjoy!

Bake It: Home-made Berry Ice Cream

Do you have an ice cream maker... and need an excuse to use it... well, how about fresh (or frozen) berries! Summer is the best time to get berries for super great prices... and berry ice cream is a cool summer treat!

Ingredients:

1 pint berries (your choice)

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup milk

2 cups whipping cream

1 t vanilla (optional)

Pour the sugar over your berries...

Mash them up and then let them macerate for about an hour in the fridge.

Mix the milk, cream and vanilla and some of the juice from the berries, and pour into your ice cream maker bowl.

Mix for 15-20 minutes, until thick and then add the rest of the berries. Run for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined.

Scoop out a serving to eat now... then put the rest into the freezer and let it harden. Enjoy these on an ice cream cone for extra yummy-ness!

Enjoy!

Make It: Variations on a Play Mat

Here are some variations on the Car-Cozy Play Mat I made...

This set has a note-pad and crayons... with room for stickers and a pencil too!

Here are some felt pieces with velcro on the back...

...that go together to create a jungle scene...

...for these little jungle play mat.

This sweet little train and railroad tracks...

rolls up with a cute corduroy on the outside!

What kind of play mat can you envision?

Enjoy!